A Few Rules:
1. If a compound subject has both a singular AND plural noun or pronoun joined by or or nor,the verb needs to agree with the part of the subject that is closest to the verb.
2. When the subject consists of two or more nouns/pronouns connected by the word and use a plural verb.
Example: Both the book AND the pen ARE flying in the air.
3. When two+ pronouns/nouns are connected by the words or/nor,this calls for a singular verb.
Example: Either the book OR the pen IS inside the drawer.
Hint/Tip: The way you use Subject verb agreement has a general effect on the way a sentence sounds. If the sentence sounds off it is likely to be incorrect.
Collective nouns are words that indicate a group of things.
Ex: Teams,Groups and such.
Tip: Look at the noun closest to the verb inside the compound subject sentence to tell if it is singular or plural.
Exceptions include dollars,gallons, Etc.
You'll be happy once you understand Subject Verb Agreement.
A Few Rules:
1. If a compound subject has both a singular AND plural noun or pronoun joined by or or nor,the verb needs to agree with the part of the subject that is closest to the verb.
2. When the subject consists of two or more nouns/pronouns connected by the word and use a plural verb.
Example: Both the book AND the pen ARE flying in the air.
3. When two+ pronouns/nouns are connected by the words or/nor,this calls for a singular verb.
Example: Either the book OR the pen IS inside the drawer.
Hint/Tip: The way you use Subject verb agreement has a general effect on the way a sentence sounds. If the sentence sounds off it is likely to be incorrect.
Collective nouns are words that indicate a group of things.
Ex: Teams,Groups and such.
Tip: Look at the noun closest to the verb inside the compound subject sentence to tell if it is singular or plural.
Exceptions include dollars,gallons, Etc.
You'll be happy once you understand Subject Verb Agreement.
For a better understanding of this go to :
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/599/01/ (This is also the site i used as reference)
Site used for picture:
http://www.english-grammar-revolution.com/images/subject_verb_agreement.jpg